Fucoidan intake improves grip strength in seniors: 12-week study
Supplementation with fucoidan—a polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed— improved grip strength among older adults, according to a study conducted in Taiwan.
Findings showed that fucoidan supplementation was superior to the combination of fucoidan, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and vitamin D.
Improvements in grip strength were not only statistically significant but also clinically meaningful among those who had taken fucoidan alone, which the researchers indicated supports fucoidan as a safe and non-pharmacological intervention for sarcopenia.
MVM benefits specific groups, targeted use needed: Haleon, NUS-funded study
Multivitamin and mineral supplementation may not benefit everyone, except for specific users, suggesting that a targeted supplementation approach would be prudent, says a new rapid review funded by Haleon and the National University of Singapore.
The study reported that specific groups, such as hypertensive individuals, may experience lower blood pressure due to multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplementation.
However, in other instances, such as breast cancer risk reduction, no linked benefits were reported from MVM supplementation.
Pro, postbiotic intake shown to reduce cold-like symptoms in meta-analysis
A first-of-its-kind meta-analysis of eight clinical studies showed that supplementing with both live and heat-killed Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma) could reduce cold-like symptoms by activating a particular group of immune cells known as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs).
This was gleaned from the significantly higher amount of pDC activation markers CD86 among individuals who have taken LC-plasma.
The meta-analysis included eight clinical trials extracted from databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, J-Dream III, UMIN-CTR and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform through June 21, 2024.
Astragalus-centella blend shows dual cosmetic, supplement potential: Taiwan study
A study from Taiwan reported that a blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica saponins (ACS) could improve multiple markers of skin health when used both as a topical cream and as an oral supplement.
The researchers also reported seeing the strongest effects when the two routes were combined.
The results positioned ACS as a candidate active for cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics targeting brightness, texture, hydration, and collagen support in healthy adults.
Tongkat Ali improves quality of life during menopause - First-of-its-kind study
The supplementation of the water extract of Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, has been shown to improve the quality of life in women experiencing menopause.
The study reported that taking 100mg of Tongkat Ali daily for 12 weeks has significantly reduced menopausal symptoms related to physical and sexual health.
The current study is said to be the first-of-its-kind that assesses Tongkat Ali’s effects in alleviating menopausal symptoms. The herb is usually studied for its aphrodisiac effects in men.
